By Nora Sorino, Nene Lachica,
and Tomasita Asequia of GSD-Iligan Bureau
ILIGAN City–Citizens here caught and stopped five people who tried to hang allegedly libelous election materials against a priest who is running for vice mayor near the Palao Supermarket.
The suspects–Renan Gonzales, 62, Jimmy Taborada, Demosthenes Macapobres Benigra, 57, Welger Aquino Sr. and his son Welger Jr.–were handed over to the police. They are being held at presstime at the Police Station 5.
Police said concerned citizens caught the five men hanging tarpaulins about the alleged “immorality” of Msgr. Jemar Vera Cruz, running mate of detained Mayor Celso Regencia.
Vera Cruz, who has gone on a three-year leave from his priestly duties, was portrayed in the tarpaulins as a priest who sired a child with a church worker.
The priest denied the allegation, saying the child in the tarpaulin is his driver’s, and that he is the kid’s godfather.
Vera Cruz called it a “desperate move” by candidates who feel they are losing.
Lawyer Rey Dexter Sumaoy said the priest’s group would press charges against the five suspects for libel and child abuse.
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